Both models [1]}, [2]} simulate zebrafish mutant patterns, and
McGuirl et al. [3]} developed methods for quantifying several of these mutants for the ABM [1]}. Future work could build on this approach [3]} and our work to quantify CA spot patterns. In terms of (inter)stripe width and curviness, our work with stripe patterns shows that the on-lattice model [2]} produces more variability across simulations than does the off-lattice model [1]}. It would be interesting to investigate whether or not this is also the case for mutant patterns, and to identify what features of the models give rise to this difference in variability. In particular, throughout our work, we did not attempt to determine what causes the differences and similarities that our methods uncover between ABM [1]} and CA [2]} patterns. It may be the structure of stochasticity in cell behaviors, the parameters in model rules, choices of computational implementation, or something else that leads to these features. By developing quantitative methods that can be applied flexibly across models, our work helps opens the door to future studies that address mathematical questions like these and bring the perspectives of different microscopic models together to better understand biological systems.
